Jose Mourinho shows defiance

Just a few minutes before Jose Mourinho appeared for his Friday press conference, Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich was driven into the club’s training ground, for a very rare appearance at the complex.

The Russian’s infrequent visits haven’t usually coincided with prosperous times for the team and, given the tide of problems that Mourinho has already endured this season, it was impossible not to ask certain questions.

Are we seeing a repeat of September 2007, when Mourinho first left Chelsea? There are parallels. The Portuguese has been in moody form, the business in the transfer market has been unsatisfactory, and results so far this season have been unacceptable.